Hints & Tips  

TOWING REGULATIONS
It is so important to ensure that your trailer is safe and equally important to make sure you and your vehicle is capable of towing safely. 

Am I allowed to tow a trailer?
You need to have a full driving license. If you holder a Provisional category B license then you are not permitted to tow.

If you passed your car driving test before 1/1/1997 you will have categories B+E and c1+E on your license allowing you to tow a trailer provided that both vehicle and trailer do not exceed 8250kg.

Drivers who pass the car driving test after this date are required to pass a further test to gain the category B+E which allows them to tow trailers and caravans.

These are general rules only and you should check to see if your license allows you to your trailer at the DVLA web site here:  

Do I require insurance?
Yes, your vehicle insurance should provide you with third party insurance for trailers while they are attached to the vehicle, but do check this out with your insurance company. This will not cover for theft or damage to the trailer or its contents. We would strongly recommend arranging additional cover.  

What is the speed limit while towing a trailer?
You are restricted to 60mph on motorways and dual carriageways and 50mph on other roads where no lower speed limit applies.  

Are there any other driving restrictions?
You are not permitted to tow a trailer on the outside lane of a three or more lane motorway or dual carriageway unless this is unavoidable due to road works, accident or other obstruction.

You should never allow passengers to be carried in a trailer.

Rear view mirrors should allow you to see the road behind the trailer on both sides. If additional mirrors are required then they shouldn't protrude more than 200mm beyond the width of he trailer (or vehicle when trailer is not attached).  

How big a trailer am I allowed to tow?
It is your responsibility to ensure the vehicle is adequate to tow the trailer and its load. This includes:

• Checking the engine is large enough

• Checking the brakes are powerful enough

• Checking the gross weight of the trailer does not exceed the towing capacity of the vehicle.

You can also check the Highway Code book for any additional information. .

If you have a question or query not covered here then please use our contact form to send us your question and we will respond with an answer.